When Thais lay block they typically do not stagger the blocks. The reason is because the entire wall will be plastered over with cement anyway.

But, wouldn't the wall be stronger if the blocks were staggered and interlocking?

Probably wouldn't matter since it's not load bearing and has the concrete posts every few meters (would take more time and maybe they're just lazy to cut block). Still I did notice in one part of the photo that some was staggered.

As you can imagine this is a smelly job. But these people come by about every 2 weeks to clean out septic tanks. Here they are cleaning out the worker's toilet. BTW, this toilet will be taken out once the house is completed. Hopefully, not 10 years from now.

As the foreman I was out in the harsh environment everyday just like the workers. Here you can see my farmer's tan.

Ok, I stretched the truth somewhat. Actually, I did not have a watch so in order to tell the time I had to take a photo with my digital camera.

Was most interesting, I have built all the houses I ever lived in US. and 24 apartments. Did every thing cement 4 ft forms pony walls. wiring, plumbing at first later hired it out lazy, They make concret in a circle in mexico also, quicker then our way if by hand. concrete roofs etc.
You get the plumbers to pull permit $200 then you do the workeven engineering in Hawaii for a 2 storey house cost 250. GOOD JOB on pictures. House looks like it will be pretty with all the wood. farmerfloyd

As usual, the workers always took time out to prepare and eat their upcountry meals. This worker is pounding away on his homemade table. Actually, it is a broken concrete pole turned upside down and partially buried.

This is his buddy. I called them Fric & Frac. Where one went the other one went. I soon noticed that the fence boss had to assign them different jobs because they played and did not work.

More wood for the house arrives. The Teak shingles for the roof are wrapped in white. The reason they are wrapped is Thai govt paperwork at its best. The delivery people are supposed to have paperwork for each load of Teak wood stating that it is all legal. Well, this paperwork costs money. So the delivery boss pays for paperwork for 1 load of wood. Since he doesn't want to have to pay for every load, they wrap the wood for future deliveries.

This shot shows why I should have been on the site all day long every day. I told the electrician that a TV antenna was not necessay. Later that day I asked him what was the cable for. His reply, for TV. He installed the cable because he thought I might change my mind!

Some decide to shower first. Never mind that they are using the barrel used for making cement. Muscle man eventually was kicked back home to Phrae for drinking to much on the job.

The Thai man on the left was a hard worker but the fence boss let him go after a couple of weeks on the job. The reason? The other workers did not like to be around someone who smoked opium at night. I heard that he would go to the tent that was built for the rebar and hit the pipe. Shit, I should have stayed later each night!